With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, the free agency market is heating up again—and there's no bigger name still available than five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. While stars like Joey Bosa, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings are also looking for new homes, Hopkins stands out as a three-time first-team All-Pro and the league's active leader in receiving yards with 13,295—edging out Mike Evans and Travis Kelce by more than 200 yards.
Though he may no longer be the WR1 who racks up 1,500 yards in a season, Hopkins still possesses those reliable, sure-handed mitts that can elevate any offense. And he's already got his eye on a potential quarterback.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Hopkins was asked which quarterback he'd love to catch passes from but hasn't yet played with. His answer? Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I gotta go with Joe Burrow. I think Joe is one of the best. I love his game, his toughness," Hopkins said. "I mean, he took his team to a Super Bowl early in his career and I feel like he can get back there with a little bit of help."
The Bengals would be a comfortable fit. Cincinnati already boasts two elite wideouts in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they lack a reliable third option—especially with Higgins missing 12 games over the last three seasons due to injuries. After spending the past two years with AFC contenders in Kansas City and Baltimore, Hopkins could bring his veteran presence to another title hopeful.
But Cincinnati isn't the only option. Let's break down five other potential landing spots for the veteran receiver.
Buffalo Bills: If not Burrow, how about Josh Allen? Hopkins recently told Kay Adams that he and Allen could "do some damage." The Bills are in a Super Bowl-or-bust mindset after the surprising firing of head coach Sean McDermott. General manager Brandon Beane and offensive coordinator Joe Brady are feeling the pressure to win now, and Buffalo's offseason addition of DJ Moore hasn't exactly transformed the receiving corps. Hopkins could be the missing piece.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams reportedly showed interest in trading for A.J. Brown this offseason, despite already having Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on the roster. If that deal fell through, Los Angeles could pivot to Hopkins as a veteran addition to help them chase another Lombardi Trophy. Some pundits have called their offseason underwhelming, but adding a proven playmaker like Hopkins would change the narrative.